Tourisme Montréal is launching a series of free guided tours aimed at encouraging residents to rediscover the city and strengthening the connection between tourism and local communities.
The initiative, tied to World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, will run from Oct. 2 to Nov. 1 and feature nearly 60 tours in French and English across several Montreal neighbourhoods and attractions.
Focus on residents
The initiative forms part of Tourisme Montréal’s broader consideration of local tourism and the role residents play in the tourism experience. The organization says the program is intended to give Montrealers a different perspective on their city while highlighting the relationship between tourism and local life.
“Tourism is about more than welcoming visitors from outside the city. A tourism destination is first and foremost a city where people live, work and create. We want to bring Montrealers closer to tourism and help them better understand the benefits it generates for the community as a whole. By giving residents an opportunity to rediscover their own city, we also hope to strengthen their pride and sense of belonging,” said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
Montréal centre-ville
Tourisme Montréal said its approach is informed by a resident sentiment study it commissioned, which found that 82 per cent of Montrealers are proud to welcome tourists to their city. The organization said the study also recorded a tourism aversion index of 4 per cent, which it described as well below the threshold associated with destinations experiencing tourism-related tensions.
The organization said tourism has historically been connected to investments and infrastructure in Montreal, pointing to Expo 67, the 1976 Olympic Games, the development of the metro and major festivals and events as examples of developments that have contributed to the city’s identity and international profile.
Nearly 60 tours planned
The first edition of the program will be operated by Guidatour, with tours taking place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Participants will be able to explore areas including Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market, learn about the history of Old Montreal, tour Mile End and view murals in the Plateau and downtown.
An accessible tour, called Inclusive Montréal, will also be offered for participants with accessibility needs. The tours will last approximately two hours and will be limited to 20 participants, while the accessible tour will accommodate 12 participants.
Tourisme Montréal said the program is intended to support a vision of tourism that takes local residents into account alongside visitors. The organization said creating opportunities for Montrealers to experience the city differently is part of an effort to make tourism more compatible with local life.
Registration opens
The tours are free, although participants must pay a $10 deposit when registering. The deposit will be refunded to those who attend their scheduled tour.
Priority will be given to residents of the island of Montreal, with people living in immediately surrounding areas eligible subject to availability. Advance reservations are required, with Guidatour managing registrations, confirmations and refunds through its booking platform.
Tourisme Montréal is a private non-profit organization that has promoted Montreal as an international leisure and business tourism destination for more than 100 years. The organization says it has more than 1,000 members working directly or indirectly in the tourism industry and is involved in the development and management of the city’s tourism offering.
More from Retail Insider:
